Techniques for labeling of plastic, glass or metal containers or surfaces with polymeric labels

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface by means of a water based adhesive composition by the following steps:  
     (a) applying a layer of a hydrophilic solid material to a polymeric label to form a hydrophilic layer;  
     (b) applying water or a water based adhesive to the hydrophilic layer to form a fastenable polymeric label;  
     (c) fastening the fastenable polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface; and  
     (d) allowing said the polymeric label to dry on the glass, plastic or metal container or surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to polymeric sheets or rolls particularlyadapted for use as labels in the post mold labeling of plastic, glass ormetal containers or surfaces. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to polymeric film substrates adapted for printing that also havea hydrophilic surface layer for use as labels in post mold labelingapplications using conventional wet applied water based labelingequipment typically used for the application of paper labels. In anotheraspect the invention relates to such labels which possess the beneficialproperties of the known plastic label substrates, but which are able tobe applied on conventional post mold paper labeling equipment using wetapplied water based solutions comprising water, water blended with aselected crosslinking catalyst, adhesives or adhesives blended with aselected crosslinking catalyst.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Plastic and glass containers or bottles are prevalent in a widevariety of shapes and sizes for holding many different types ofmaterials such as detergents, chemicals, motor oil, beer, etc. Thesecontainers are glass or plastic (mono or multi layers) of polyethylene,polypropylene, polyester or vinyl along with other specialty blends forspecific barrier and product resistance performance. Generally suchcontainers are provided with a label which designates the trade name ofthe product and may contain other information as well. The early artwhich still is prevalent today employed the use of labels manufacturedfrom paper substrates that were applied with a water based adhesive.Subsequently, dry pressure sensitive self adhesives and in mold labelsmanufactured from paper have been and continue to be used. Theshortcomings of paper labels with regard to tearing, wrinkling, creasingand the like due to age and moisture, or due to a lack of deformabilitywhen applied to a deformable plastic substrate have been well documentedin the labeling industry. Because of this and the need to producerecyclable plastic containers, over the years a great deal of effort hasbeen expended to develop container decoration techniques and durablefilm substrates which would overcome these shortcomings.

[0003] Film facestocks for container decoration which have resulted fromthese efforts can be applied to glass and plastic containers as selfadhesive pressure sensitive labels as described in the prior art. Theuse of self adhesive paper and film “pressure sensitive adhesive” (PSA)labels that have been preprinted and supported on a release liner is nota cost effective option because of the added cost of the release linerused to support and render processable the self adhesive face stock. Thecost of this type of structure combined with the added cost of disposalof the liner does not make pressure sensitive labeling a desirableoption from an economic or environmental standpoint. In addition, newcapital intensive labeling equipment is required to transition from wetapplied Post Mold Labels (PML) to self adhesive PSA labels plus theeffect of a new process on an existing packaging line in terms oflearning cure and experience.

[0004] Another film face stock labeling technique that has evolved isthe use of heat activated in-mold labels as described in the prior artwhere a preprinted plastic label with a heat activated adhesive isplaced in the mold before the molten plastic resin is injected or blowninto the mold cavity at elevated temperature and pressure whichactivates the adhesive and fuses the label substrate to the containerin-mold. The use of film based in-mold label substrates presents a morecost effective alternative then self adhesive pressure sensitive labelsin terms of substrate cost but as this technology has progressed, it hasbeen found that productivity is impacted by the label feeding step intothe mold which is performed in a complex, continuous and rapid mannerwhich results in large amounts of scrap material. Also, the initialcapital investment required to tool up for a container specific in-moldlabel process for new molds and the complex electromechanicalmaintenance intensive feeding devices is significant. Another detrimentfor this process is the potential inventory carrying costs for varietiesof labeled containers that come into play with predecorated containerssuch as in-mold for those who would choose to apply the labelimmediately pre or post filled.

[0005] Post mold decoration of glass and plastic containers in thecurrent art can also be accomplished by direct screen printing on thecontainer. Direct screen printing on the container is not a costeffective process and also presents the aforementioned inventoryproblems along with added cost for freight to and from a screen printer.The graphical possibilities for label copy are limited in terms of costand quality with this technique. Commodity products can not support thecost of this labeling technique.

[0006] Another post mold technique that has been popular is the“Therimage” process. This process transfers a reverse printed image froma transfer release sheet under temperature and pressure to producedecorated containers. The “Therimage” technique of transferring areverse printed image is costly because of transfer sheet costs andpresents the same disposal problems and costs with the transfer sheet asoccurs with the aforementioned release liner used in conjunction withself adhesive labels. Graphic design and quality is limited with thistechnique.

[0007] Other techniques for labeling various plastic and glasscontainers with preprinted paper or film label substrates include theuse of hot melt adhesives which are applied to the label substrate orcontainer in a molten state with container and substrate subsequentlymarried while the hot melt is molten. When the hot melt adhesive cools,it sets up and bonds the label substrate to the container.

[0008] This technology requires the use of sophisticated melting andapplication equipment that must be operated, cleaned and maintained atelevated temperatures. This technology works well with complete 360degree wrap around labels but has not evolved to the point to allowconsistent labeling of a die cut or square cut label with less than 360degree wrap. Affixing a cut label to an area on a container with 100% orpatterned adhesive application using hot melt adhesives has not beencommercially perfected. Complete wrap around hot melt applied labelswhere one end of the label is affixed to the container while the otherend is wrapped around the container and affixed with hot melt to thelabel substrate is proven hot melt label application technology thatworks well for film and paper label substrates. This technology requiresthat the container be round and does not fit for individually labeledpanels on a containers such a rectangular oil, contoured detergent orbeer containers where a neck and front label only are applied. Anotherdrawback is the added cost for label substrate when this technique isused since more label substrate is required because of the 100% wraparound.

[0009] Lastly, and still one of the most prevalent labeling techniquesis the application of paper based labels to glass and plastic containersusing natural and synthetic labeling adhesives such as BL300 produced byHenkel Adhesives or OC363-20 produced by O.C. Adhesives Corp. which areknown to the art.

[0010] This is a safe (water based) proven technology that has grown andbeen employed for many years and consequently there are many existingmachines that have been installed for this type of labeling techniquesuch as from Krones, Neutraubling, Germany that run cut precut labels orKoyo, Japan which runs roll stock that is cut on machine to the labelsize. The cut label techniques and associated adhesives work well withpaper based substrates applied to glass, plastic or metal containersbecause the wet adhesive wicks (absorbs) into the paper substrate fromthe applicator roll, pad or pallet which breathes and allows themoisture from the water carrier to be absorbed by and dry thru the paperbase.

[0011] This technique obviously will not work with non-porous polymericsubstrates as the adhesive can not wick into the polymeric substrate forinitial tack and adhesive transfer to the label or drying thru theplastic. Typically, wet applied cut label machines work where gluedpallets remove the label out of the label holding magazine whilesimultaneously gluing the back side of the label. This is accomplishedby applying a thin glue film to the pallet which is then pressed inintimate contact against the first label in the stack.

[0012] After its removal, the label sticks on the entire glued area ofthe pallet until transferred to a “gripper” cylinder and removed fromthe pallet. The gripper cylinder than transfers the label to thecontainer to be labeled. The various machine designs and techniques arewell known within the labeling industry and to those skilled in the art.The “Krones Manual Of Labeling Technology” by Hermann Kronseder datedDecember 1978, is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0013] Attempts have been made to use polymeric substrates with highmoisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) and tacky or pressure sensitiveadhesive on conventional labeling equipment with little success. Thetacky adhesive required to stick to the water impervious polymericsubstrate causes machining problems by gumming up the adhesiveapplication system and creates cleanup issues. The high MVTR substratesalso did not have good wet tack with existing commercially availableadhesives that would machine without problems and did not dry rapidlyenough making the labels prone to “swimming” or moving from the desiredapplication area during down stream processing. In addition, theadhesives do not wet out and apply uniformly to non hydrophilic surfaceswith the crude adhesive metering and application systems currently inuse on existing paper labeling machinery. Without uniform application,wet out and wet tack, it will be impossible to apply a clear label thathas the no label look because of adhesive and application imperfections.

[0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide apolymeric label particularly adapted for use in post mold wet appliedlabeling of polymeric, glass and metal containers that would readilyfeed from the label magazine or gripper, adhere with sufficient tackwithout moving through post labeling handling and processing includingbut not limited to conveying, filling, case packing and pelletizing.

[0015] It is also an object of the invention to provide a polymericlabel particularly adapted for use in post mold wet applied labeling ofpolymeric and glass containers that would have sufficient wet tack andaffinity for water, a water based solution or adhesive used to allow fortransfer of the water, water based solution or water based adhesive tothe polymeric label substrate from the applicator roll(s), pad(s) orpallet(s) of the labeling machine.

[0016] It is also an object of the invention to provide a polymericlabel for use in post mold wet applied labeling of polymeric and glasscontainers that would have a coefficient of expansion or contractionunder the conditions which the container sees which is the same orcompatible with that of the polymeric resin, glass or metal from whichthe container is made so that expansion and contraction of the containerwill not wrinkle or otherwise affect the integrity of the label.

[0017] It is also an object of the invention to provide a polymericlabel for use in wet applied post mold labeling which would combinesuitable properties of modulus of elasticity and flexibility and wouldnot be degraded by handling and flexing of the subsequent container.Finally, it would be desirable to provide a label for use in wet appliedpost mold labeling of polymeric containers which does not have to beremoved from such containers in order to recycle or regrind defective orpost consumer polymeric containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In considering the performance or economic shortcomings of priorart materials, I have discovered a process by which a polymeric labelmay be applied to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface bymeans of a water based adhesive composition, said method comprising:

[0019] (a) applying a layer of a hydrophilic solid material to apolymeric label to form a hydrophilic layer on said polymeric label;

[0020] (b) applying water, water containing a cross-linking agent or awater based adhesive over said hydrophilic layer to form a fastenablepolymeric label; (c) fastening said fastenable polymeric label to aglass, plastic or metal container or surface; and

[0021] (d) curing said polymeric label on said glass, plastic or metalsurface or container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hydrophilic materials are selected so that their coefficients ofexpansion or contraction, thickness and modulus of elasticity whenapplied to a polymer film will result in a polymeric film facestock thatwill have hydrophilicity, absorbtivity, wet tack and drying propertiesthat will permit the polymer film to be applied to polymeric, glass ormetal containers via water based wet labeling techniques on standardpaper labeling equipment. The apparatus which is used to apply paperlabels is well known to those in the art. The polymeric label substratewith the hydrophilic coating will demonstrate sufficient “wet tack”during the label application period and the label drying period topermit containers to be handled and processed. The polymeric film basedfacestock will provide a label with printability, chemical anddimensional stability, resistance to cracking, tearing, creasing,wrinkling or any other degradation of the sort experienced by paperlabels due to physical or environmental extremes.

[0023] The invention also permits the use of a water based adhesive tofasten a clear or contact clear polymeric film substrate which isreverse printed and then overcoated with the hydrophilic layer to glassor plastic containers using a water base adhesive. As used herein thereference to a “container” includes a surface of an objects made ofglass, plastic or metals such as dishes, bottles, cans, toys andbuilding materials.

[0024] Optionally, if a metalized coating of a thin metal film isdeposited on the polymeric sheets or rolls, premium quality decorativelabels with all of the advantages set forth above will be provided.

[0025] The hydrophilic component or blends containing the hydrophiliccomponent will be applied in the present invention to the selectedpolymeric sheet in a continuous or patterned layer to provide theabsorptive, wet tack and drying properties that are necessary to enablepolymeric sheets to be successfully used as label substrates onpolymeric or glass containers when applied with water based wet labelingtechniques. The hydrophilic layer, which may be applied by either acoating or an extrusion technique, has the function of absorbing a majorportion of moisture to activate the layer as an adhesive thus causingselected hydrophilic layers to function as an adhesive without anyapplied adhesive or to absorb the moisture from an adhesive if used, tocause the polymer film to adhere to the glass, plastic or metalcontainer and to set up rapidly and positively.

[0026] It is also possible to coestrude the hydrophilic layer with thepolymer film layer.

[0027] The choice of polymeric substrate for the label film willdetermine the rigidity, deformability or conformability, regrindability,printability and expansion or contraction characteristics required forapplication to the selected container without the problems associatedwith paper labels.

[0028] In addition, the polymeric film substrate for the substantiallylabel will be selected so that it will expand or contract to the samedegree as the container so that when ambient conditions change, thelabel will not pucker or blister.

[0029] The term “film facestock” or “polymeric label substrate” as usedherein should be taken for purposes of the present invention to refer toa material compatible in terms of rigidity, deformability orconformability, regrindability if a plastic container and expansion orcontraction characteristics with the plastic or glass container to belabeled. Similarly, the “hydrophilic layer” previously mentioned has theproperties of wet tack, absorbtivity, drying, sufficient adhesion to thepolymeric label substrate and affinity and adhesion to the labelingadhesive if used in the wet or dry form.

[0030] It is contemplated that selected hydrophilic layers can be wet orremoistened without adhesive for use on a glass, plastic or metalcontainer or a water based adhesive can be used to affix the polymericlabel substrate with the hydrophilic layer to the glass, plastic ormetal container. For deformable containers, the adhesive if used, can beselected from those commercially available that are characterized by theability to form a bond with the container and a hydrophilic layer suchthat when dry, the strength of the container wall-adhesive interface andthe hydrophiliic layer-adhesive interface and the cohesive strength ofthe adhesive itself are all greater than the forces required fordeformation of the label.

[0031] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “hydrophilic”is used to describe materials or mixtures of materials which bind orabsorb water. The preferred “hydrophilic” materials are those acrylicpolymers which bind or absorb water. The especially preferred“hydrophilic” material is DP6-6006, a sodium polyacrylate from AlliedColloids.

[0032] It is also an aspect of the present invention to usecrosslinkable (reactive) components in the hydrophilic layer that cancure with a catalyst supplied in the rewetting water or adhesive (ifused) that will promote adhesion to the labeled container along withchemical and moisture resistance. Examples of cross-linkable materialsare those which contain carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups or otherfunctional group which will react with a cross-linking agent. Thecatalyst can also be added to the adhesive which may or may not havereactive components which would cure the adhesive and hydrophilic layertogether or the catalyst may only cross-link the hydrophilic layer. Whenwater and a cross-linking catalyst are combined, the composition willcomprise 0.25-10% by wt. of cross-linking catalyst.

[0033] The coated, extruded or coextruded hydrophilic layer functions ineffect as an adhesive layer which is defined as a substance capable ofcombining two surfaces by the formation of a bond whether it is a moisthydrophilic layer to glass or polymer or a dry hydrophilic layer to awet labeling adhesive which is an intermediate layer that bonds to boththe hydrophilic layer and glass or polymer of the container when dry.

[0034] The use of the proper hydrophilic layer for a given polymericlabeling substrate and container to be labeled will have a direct effecton the speed which the labeling line can be run.

[0035] When considering the choice of the material which forms thehydrophilic layer, which may be applied by coating, coextrusion orextrusion, one must consider the label substrate, container to belabeled, labeling machinery, water or adhesive application technique anddown stream processing requirements such as filling, conveying andpacking. In addition the final appearance of the label such as the clearno label look or a plain opaque label must be considered in the choiceof the components of the hydrophilic layer. Generally, a deposit of from0.25 to 8 lbs./3000 FT² of the hydrophilic layer, when dried, may beemployed on the polymeric film layer, depending on the particularhydrophilic material that is selected.

[0036] It is critical to the successful application of a hydrophilicpolymeric film label to control how the water or water based adhesive isapplied to the hydrophilic layer, how deposition (weight or thickness)is controlled and how the resultant combination with the container ispressed together. Generally, from 0.25 to 1.5 g./sq. ft. of water orwater based adhesive is applied to the hydrophilic layer with 100%coverage of the label. If a grid or other pattern of adhesive isemployed, then the amount of adhesive may be reduced. If a grid patternis employed, the hydrophilic layer may be applied to be substantially inregister with the adhesive layer. It will generally be possible toreduce the typical amount of adhesive applied to a label when using thehydrophilic layer of the invention to an amount which is 20-80% of theamount that is typically employed for affixing paper labels to asurface. The choice of the hydrophilic layer and the type of labelsubstrate and container to be adhered together, as discussed above, theplant processing conditions after labeling, storage requirements and theend use requirements that must be met such as high temperatureresistance or ice proofness and the choice of an intermediate adhesivelayer are important considerations. There are many more specificvariables within these considerations all of which influence theformulation of the proper hydrophilic layer and adhesive (if used) for aspecific application.

[0037] The bonding of the hydrophilic layer with or without anintermediate adhesive layer can be accomplished with mechanical (nonsmooth surfaces) and specific adhesion when the hydrophilic layer is wetwith water or a water based solution that could contain a cross-linkingagent or a water based adhesive that could contain a cross-linkingcomponent. Examples of cross-linking agents include zirconium salts ofmineral acids, such as Bacote 20 from Magnesium Elektron, Inc.,Polyfunctional Aziridine such as Xama-2 from EIT, Inc., water solublepolyamide-epichlorohydrin material such as Polycup 172 and the likewhich may be used at a level of 0.2-8% by weight of the adhesivecomposition.

[0038] Mechanical adhesion is defined as the bonding between surfaces inwhich the adhesive holds the parts together by inter-locking action andactual physical penetration. Specific adhesion is the bonding betweensurfaces which are held together by molecular forces wherein thesurfaces are non porous and no penetration is possible.

[0039] These forces are related to the polarity and size of themolecules and the initial action in obtaining a bond when thehydrophilic surface is wet and a bond develops through molecular forces.

[0040] In mechanical as well as specific adhesion, the hydrophilic layerwith optional intermediate adhesive layer must “wet” both surfacescompletely or weak bonded areas will develop as it dries or “sets”resulting in a poor bond. Not only is wetting of the surfaces critical,penetration is also important. Penetration is important since mostcombinations of surfaces to be adhered together involve at least oneporous or absorptive surface which controls the “setting”characteristics. To facilitate wetting of the surface and penetration,the hydrophilic layer or hydrophilic layer with intermediate adhesivemust be in a fluid state which for purposes of this invention isaccomplished by applying water or water based adhesive to the selectedhydrophilic layer which when applied to the container to be labeledbrings the hydrophilic layer and container wall into intimate molecularcontact. By using a wet hydrophilic layer or intermediate adhesive whichalso wets and penetrates the hydrophilic layer as well as the containersurface, a fluid region is created that flows to cover the surface ascompletely as possible. This is critical to the invention where even anapparently smooth surface in reality is composed of a random network ofhills and valleys. When the hydrophilic layer is in the wet condition,with or without adhesive, it serves as a wetting bridge to promoteadhesion.

[0041] Various commercially available adhesives can be matched withhydrophilic layers to provide good adhesion of polymeric film layers toa plastic or glass surface. These material include starch basedadhesives or casein based adhesives now predominantly used for glassapplications since they do not bond well to plastic or metal. Specificadhesives hat may be employed include EVA based materials which havefree carboxyl groups, converted starch solutions, PVA based adhesives,casein based adhesives, synthetic resin dispersions for metal or plasticcontainers or blends of synthetic and starch based products and thelike.

[0042] It is clear that one specific hydrophilic layer may not fit allapplications but hydrophilic layers can be tailored to particularapplications based on the conditions and requirements for wet PMLlabeling of polymeric substrates.

[0043] For a coextruded product, if a adhesion promoting tie layer isemployed, materials such as maleic anhydride, ethyl acrylic acid and thelike may be employed at levels up to 5% by weight of the hydrophiliccomposition. For a coated product, if a primer is employed, materialssuch as chlorinated polypropylene, polyethylene imine (PEI) and the likemay be employed at levels of 0.05-1.0 #/3000 sq. ft.

[0044] Plasticizers such as n-di-octylphthalate may be employed at alevel of 0.5-3% by weight of the adhesive composition to prevent thepolymeric film label from losing flexibility.

[0045] The slip aids and anti-blocking compounds prevent excessivefriction between the hydrophilic layer and the printed label face andalso control the effect of ambient moisture levels which may tend tocause label blocking and interfere with the operation of high speedautomated machinery which is used to apply labels. These materials maybe used at a level of 0.5-3% by weight of the hydrophilic layercomposition and include materials such as microcrystalline waxemulsions, erucamide dispersions, polytetrafluoroethylene compositions,silicone beads, modified silicone solutions, parafin wax emulsions, highmelting polypropylene emulsions, carnauba wax emulsions, oxidizedethylene/EVA compositions, micronized polyethylene wax/PTFE emulsions,micronized polypropylene, micronized fluorocarbons such as PTFE(Teflon), micronized polyethylene, silica and talc.

[0046] If an antistatic agent is employed, it may be present at a levelof 0.5-3% by weight of the hydrophilic formulation. These materialsinclude quaternary ammonium salts such as Ethaquad C12, sulfonatedstyrene maleic anhydride, sulfonated polystyrene, sulfonated vinyltoluene maleic anhydride, conductive polymers and organo modifiedsilicones such as Silwet L77.

[0047] Protective coatings may be used to protect the exposed polymerfilm of the label when applied at a level of 0.25-4 lbs./3000 sq. ft.using conventional application techniques. These materials includestyrenated acrylics such as OC1043 from O.C. Adhesives Inc., urethanessuch as AS455 from Adhesion Systems Inc., Flexcon Release Varnish fromManders—Premier.

[0048] If desired, a humectant may be added to the adhesive at a levelof 0.5-3% to provide curl resistance and to impart layflat properties tothe polymeric film labels. These humectants include urea, polyethyleneglycols such as PEG400, polyvinyl alcohol, glycerine and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[0049] Thirty five samples were coated with coating compositions whichwere the same or different. The samples were evaluated on machine trialsand controlled laboratory scale experiments. The aqueous solutions wereapplied to the following polymeric substrates: polypropylene (PP), highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) and polyester (PET) using gravure or wirewound metering rod techniques.

[0050] Components used to make up the various hydrophilic layers are asfollows:

[0051] DX=Dextrine—2723625 Findley Adhesives

[0052] 1072=Dextrine Compatible Polyvinyl Acetate Homopolymer EmulsionBinder Resin-25-1072—National Starch and Chemical Company

[0053] 05413A=Vinyl Acetate Ethylene Emulsion Remoistionable GumAdhesive—05413-A—Apex Adhesives

[0054] PVA=Polyvinyl Alcohol Cook—Airvol 203 Air Products And Chemicals

[0055] Urea=Urea 46% Nitrogen Prilled Arcadian Ohio L.P.

[0056] GEL=Gelatin—250 Bloom Strength Kind And Knox

[0057] PEG=Polyethylene Glycol—Carbowax 1450 Union Carbide

[0058] HEC=Hydroxyethylcellulose—Kuminal Hercules Inc.

[0059] DP=DP6-6066—Acrylic Superabsorber Allied Colloids

[0060] BAC=Bacote 20—Crosslinking Agent—Magnesium Elektron, Ltd.

[0061] Talc=Talc—Nytal 300—R. T. Vanderbilt

[0062] Polkote=66433=Clay Filled Dispersion With Synthetic ResinBinder—H&N Chemical

[0063] PC=Polycup172—Crosslinking Agent Hercules Inc.

[0064] Zinc Ammonium Carbonate—Cross-linking Agent Chemical Corp. ofAmerica

[0065] The following primers were used, where indicated as a adhesionpromoting layer on the film substrate to improve hydrophilic layeradhesion:

[0066] 937-3=AS937-3 Polyolefin Primer—Adhesion Systems Inc.

[0067] PEI=Polyethylene Imine (PEI)—BASF—Known to those in the art as aprimer for Polyolefin substrates.

[0068] The following components were used for wet labeling to activatethe hydrophilic layer or function as an intermediate adhesive layer:

[0069] Water (H₂O)

[0070] OC363=OC363—20 Resin based labeling adhesive for Polyethylenecontainers.

[0071] 242=Findley 242 361M Casein Based labeling adhesive for glass.

[0072] BL300=Henkel BL300—Starch and Styrene Maleic Anhydride—BasedAdhesive for Brewery Applications.

[0073] The labels were prepared by Laboratory and Pilot Scale ProductionTechinques using the material set forth in Table 1: TABLE 1 WEIGHT/(LBS) SAMPLE 3000 % OF COMPONENT DRV (APPROX.) # SQ FT. DX 1072 O5413APVA GEL 66433 HEC DP UREA PEG TALC 1 1.60 75 21 — — — — — — — — 4 2 2.1075 21 — — — — — — — — 4 3 2.75 75 21 — — — — — — — — 4 4 3.30 75 21 — —— — — — — — 4 5 4.10 75 21 — — — — — — — — 4 6 5.6 75 21 — — — — — — — —4 7 3.30 75 25 — — — — — — — — — 8 3.30 73 21 — — — — — — 2 — 4 9 3.3073 21 — — — — — — 2 — 4 10 3.30 75 21 — — — — — — — — 4 11 3.30 75 21 —— — — — — — — 4 12 3.75 65 — 35 — — — — — — — 4 13 3.75 65 — 35 — — — —— — — — 14 3.9 — — — 100 — — — — — — — 15 3.9 — — — 100 — — — — — — — 163.9 — — — 100 — — — — — — — 17 3.1 72 — 20 — — — — — — 8 — 18 3.1 72 —28 — — — — — — — — 19 4.5 — — — — 100 — — — — — — 20 4.8 — — — —  98 — —— — — 2 21 4.5 — — — —  98 — — — — 2 — 22 3.5 — — — — — 100 — — — — — 233.5 — — — — — 100 — — — — — 24 3.9 50 — — — —  50 — — — — — 25 4.2 — — —— — — 100 — — — — 26 4.2 — — — — — —  95 — — 5 — 27 — — — — — — — — — —— 28 — — — — — — — — — — — — 29 — — — — — — — — — — — — 30 1.4 — — — — —— — 100 — — — 31 1.4 — — — — — — — 100 — — — 32 1.4 — — — — — — — 100 —— — 33 1.4 — — — — — — —  98 — — 2 34 3.2 — — — — — — — 100 — — — 35 3.2— — — — — — —  99 — 1 — 36 3.2 — — — — — — —  98 — 1 1 37 3.2 — — — — —— —  97 — 1 2 38 3.2 — — — — — — — 100 — — —

[0074] CROSSLINKING AGENT IN WATER PRIMEN WET LABELING SOLUTION ORADHESIVE 0.1 WEIGHT/ AND APPROX. APPLICATION SAMPLE OR HYDROSCOPIC 3000SQ FT WEIGHT # PC ZLAC PEI 937-3 WATER OC363 242 BL300 1 — — ✓ — — 3.2 —— 2 — — ✓ — — 3.2 — — 3 — — ✓ — — 3.2 — — 4 — — ✓ — — 3.2 — — 5 — — ✓ —— 3.2 — — 6 — — ✓ — — 3.2 — — 7 — — — — — 3.2 — — 8 — — — — — 6.0 — — 9— — — — — 3.2 — — 10 — — — — — — — 4.25 11 — — — — 3.2 — — — 12 — — — —3.2 — — — 13 — — — 4.0 — 14 — 2% in — — — 3.4 — — Hydro- philic 15 — 2%in — — 4.0 — — — Hydro- philic 16 — — ✓ — 3.2 — — — 17 — — — — — — —4.25 18 — — — — — — — 4.25 19 — — ✓ — 3.2 — — — 20 — 3% in ✓ — — — —4.25 Hydro- philic 21 — 3% in — — — 3.2 — — Hydro- philic 22 — — — — —3.6 — — 23 — — — — — 3.6 — — 24 — — — — — 3.6 — — 25 — — — ✓ — 3.6 — —26 — — — — 3.2 — — — 27 — — — — — 3.9 — — 28 — — — — — — 3.0 — 29 — — —— 3.2 — — — 30 0.5% in — — — 3.2 — — — water 31 0.5% in — — — — 3.2 — —water 32 — — — — 3.2 — — — 33 — — — — 3.2 — — — 34 — — — — 3.2 — — — 35— — — — 3.2 — — — 36 — — — ✓ — — — 4.2  37 — — — — — 3.2 — — 38 — 1% in— ✓ 3.2 — — — DP

[0075] SUBSTRATE LABEL LABEL SUBSTRATE APPLIED TO SAMPLE CLEAR WHITECLEAR WHITE CLEAR # OPP OPP PET HDPE GLASS HDPE 1 — ✓ — — — ✓ 2 — ✓ — —— ✓ 3 — ✓ — — — ✓ 4 — ✓ — — — ✓ 5 — ✓ — — — ✓ 6 — ✓ — — — ✓ 7 — ✓ — — —✓ 8 — ✓ — — — ✓ 9 — — — ✓ — ✓ 10 — — — ✓ ✓ — 11 — — — ✓ — ✓ 12 ✓ — — — ✓— 13 ✓ — — — ✓ — 14 ✓ — — — ✓ 15 ✓ — — — ✓ — 16 ✓ — — — — ✓ 17 ✓ — — — ✓— 18 ✓ — — — ✓ — 19 ✓ — — — ✓ — 20 — ✓ — — ✓ — 21 — ✓ — — — ✓ 22 — ✓ — —— ✓ 23 ✓ — — — — ✓ 24 — — — ✓ — ✓ 25 — ✓ — — ✓ — 26 ✓ — — — ✓ — 27 — ✓ —— — ✓ 28 — ✓ — — ✓ — 29 — — — ✓ — ✓ 30 — — — ✓ — ✓ 31 ✓ — — ✓ — 32 — ✓ —— ✓ — 33 — ✓ — — ✓ — 34 — — ✓ — ✓ — 35 — — ✓ — ✓ — 36 ✓ — — — — ✓ 37 ✓ —— — ✓ — 38 — — ✓ — — ✓

[0076] Samples of the coated polymeric films were applied to HDPE orglass in laboratory scale or in field trial using commercial labelingmachines. They were evalated for the following properties:

[0077] 1. Dry tack for handling before being affixed to the container.

[0078] 2. Dry flat (non curling)

[0079] 3. Wet tack

[0080] 4. Wet adhesion

[0081] 5. Drying

[0082] 6. Dry adhesion

[0083] 7. Optical clarity if a clear substrate was employed.

[0084] The results which are set forth in Table 2 are based on actualobservations which were used to assign subjectively determined ratingsof Excellent (E), Good Poor (P) or Fail (F). TABLE II DRY TACK DRY DRYDRY SAMPLE BEFORE LAY WET WET DRYING ADHESION ADHESION ADHESION #LABELING FLAT TACK ADHESION RATE 12 HRS 24 HRS 7 DAY 1 G E F F F F F G 2G E F F F G G G 3 G G C C G G G G 4 G G G G C G G C 5 C P E E E G E E 6F F E B E E E E 7 P G G G G G G G 8 G E P P F F C G 9 G G G C G P F F 10G F C C C G G C 11 C G C P C P P P 12 G F C P G P P P 13 G F C G G G G E14 G F E G C P F F 15 G F G E C P P P 16 C F B E E P P P 17 P E E E C FG E 18 F F E E G G G E 19 P P E B E G G G 20 G P B E E C C E 21 P C B BC G G C 22 E E F F F P P P 23 E E F F F P P P 24 E B G G C F G E 25 F PG F F P F G 26 P F C F P P P P 27 P P P P P P P P 28 P P P P P P P P 29P P P P P P P P 30 G G E B E E E B 31 G C B G C G C E 32 G C E E E G G E33 E C B E B E E E 34 P P E E E E E E 35 P G B B E E E B 36 C C B B G CG E 37 B C E E C G G E 38 P P E E E E E E

[0085] SAMPLE OPTICAL MOISTURE RESISTANCE # CLARITY 24 HR. WATER SOAK 1— G 2 — F 3 — F 4 — F 5 — F 6 — F 7 — F 8 — F 9 — F 10 — G 11 — P 12 F P13 F G 14 — F 15 G F 16 G F 17 F F 18 F F 19 G P 20 — G 21 — G 22 — P 23— P 24 — F 25 — P 26 F P 27 P P 28 — P 29 — P 30 — E 31 E G 32 E P 33 —E 34 E P 35 E P 36 G E 37 G G 38 E G

I claim:
 1. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface by means of a water based adhesive composition, said method comprising: (a) applying a layer of a hydrophilic solid material to said polymeric label to form a hydrophilic layer on said polymeric label; (b) applying water, water and a crosslinking catalyst or a water based adhesive to said hydrophilic layer to form a fastenable polymeric label; (c) fastening said fastenable polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container or surface; and (d) allowing said polymeric label to dry on said glass, plastic or metal container or surface.
 2. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein water and a cross-linking catalyst is applied to said hydrophilic layer.
 3. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein water is applied to said hydrophilic layer to form a fastenable polymeric label.
 4. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein a waterbased adhesive with or without a cross-linking catalyst is applied to said hydrophilic layer to form a fastenable polymeric label.
 5. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 2 wherein the cross-linking catalyst is crosslinkable with either the hydrophilic layer or the adhesive layer or both layers.
 6. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic layer is a coated, coextruded or extruded layer.
 7. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 6 wherein the hydrophilic layer is a coated layer.
 8. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein the adhesive is applied with 100% coverage or a pattern to the hydrophilic layer.
 9. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein less adhesive is applied than is normally applied to a paper label.
 10. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein the label and hydrophilic layer are clear or contact clear and are used in conjunction with a clear or contact clear adhesive to produce a label having a clear background.
 11. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein the polymeric label is a mono-layer or coextruded film selected from clear, opaque or colored polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polyester, polystyrene, polycarbonate, vinyl or compatibilized polymer blends.
 12. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein the polymeric label includes a reverse printed clear polymeric film which is between the polymeric label and the hydrophilic layer.
 13. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein an adhesion promoting tie layer or primer is used to promote adhesion of the hydrophilic layer to the polymer label.
 14. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein an adhesion promoting layer is used on the print surface on the polymer label to promote indicia adhesion.
 15. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein a protective coating over the surface of the printed indicia is formulated with slip aids and/or anti-static agents to control the coefficient of friction and static properties between the hydrophilic layer and protective coating for optimum high speed application.
 16. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein a protective coating over the surface of the printed indicia is formulated with anti-block and/or anti-stick aids to control the blocking tendency of the moisture activated hydrophilic layer for optimum high speed application.
 17. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein a protective coating over the surface of the exposed polymer layer is formulated with slip aids and/or anti-static agents known to those in the art to control the coefficient of friction and static properties between the hydrophilic layer and protective coating for optimum high speed application.
 18. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein a protective coating over the surface of the exposed polymer layer is formulated with anti-block and/or anti-stick aids to control the blocking tendency of the moisture activated hydrophilic layer for optimum high speed application.
 19. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic layer is formulated with humectants for curl control and/or anti-block aids to control the layflat and blocking properties of the label for optimum high speed application.
 20. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein the aqueous label adhesive is based on starch, casein, synthetic polymer or blends of starch, casein or synthetic polymers.
 21. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 1 wherein the hydrophilic layer activated by water. into an adhesive layer is a derivative of polyacrylic acid or polyacrylic acid copolymer.
 22. A method for fastening a polymeric label to a glass, plastic or metal container as defined in claim 21 wherein the hydrophilic layer activated by water into an adhesive layer is a carboxylated sodium polacrylate. 